If the amount of Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit you receive does not cover your full rent, you may be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) to help you pay the shortfall. A DHP may also be able to help if you have an urgent need to move with no time to save for a bond for a private sector tenancy. You must be in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Costs in order to be considered for a DHP. Please note that awards are not guaranteed and each application is considered on its own merits.
If you need extra help towards your Council Tax you may qualify for a Council Tax Discretionary Discount.
You will need to complete an online application form and we will look at your personal and financial circumstances.
For example:
- Your income
- Whether you have any savings
- Whether anyone else in the house is able to help you pay your rent
- Whether you have any loans or debts still to pay
- Whether you could manage your money better to ease the situation
- Whether you or your family are ill or disabled
Once you have submitted your application you will need to send us an up to date rent statement and your last 2 months bank statements. These can be emailed to discretionarysupport@blackpool.gov.uk or posted to:
DHP TeamFylde CouncilTown HallSt Annes Road West
Lytham St Annes FY8 1LW
Please note we receive a high number of applications for extra help with housing costs and council tax which are processed in the date order they are received. We process these as quickly as possible however it may be several weeks before we contact you about your application.
If you have been issued with a notice to quit, an eviction notice, or you need to move urgently, you can contact the Council’s Housing Options Team on 01253 658658 for advice.
